Is It My Knee Or My Shin? 3 Signs Of A Proximal Tibia Fracture

Identifying Proximal Tibia Fractures

A fracture is the medical term for a break on a bone. Often, the surrounding tissues like skin, muscles, nerves, ligaments, and blood vessels might also get bruised because of the trauma. Fractures can happen anywhere in the body, including the legs. When the shinbone or proximal tibia is fractured, the condition is known as a proximal tibia fracture. However, a person experiencing the injury might not immediately know the root cause. Due to the proximity to the knee, assuming that the joint is the culprit is commonplace. Here are 3 signs that a proximal tibia fracture has occurred.

1. Pain that worsens with use

Occasional pain from activity is common, especially for athletes or people who are highly active. However, pain that worsens when weight is placed on the affected leg is a common sign that a more serious injury has occurred. If the discomfort doesn’t subside after several days, including after rest, consider making a trip to the doctor for a professional consult. Similarly, if the pain decreases with rest but then returns when activity is resumed, seek medical attention.

2. Swelling around the knee

Significant swelling at the site of an injury is a symptom of a variety of conditions. Yet, with a fracture, swelling is often accompanied by reduced range of motion (ROM) and pain. Individuals with a proximal tibia fracture may find that attempting to bend the knee is difficult, and fully extending and contracting the knee isn’t possible. Along the same lines, the knee may look deformed, a telltale sign that damage has occurred and that an individual should seek help immediately.

3. Numb or cool sensations

Pain creates specific sensations ranging from dull to sharp feelings of varying intensities. With a proximal tibia fracture, numbness around the foot is a common experience. Specifically, people may describe the affected foot as experiencing pins and needles. Such sensations may imply that nerve damage has occurred or swelling has reached a more serious point. Likewise, if the foot feels cold, the blood supply may be impacted. A pale foot on the affected leg is also a concern.

Treating a tibia fracture

While a proximal tibia fracture can happen to any individual, children are most likely to experience this injury. Sometimes, the condition is caused by twisting or falling from heights. Other times, the fracture is caused by more intense impacts, such as a car accident. The best way to confirm a fracture is with an x-ray. Some people can fully heal from a proximal tibia fracture by simply having a cast placed on the injured leg. Meanwhile, other individuals may need surgery to properly reset the bone and repair any damage to surrounding tissues. Surgery solutions can range from simply setting the bone to reinforcing the structure with plates, nails, screws, pins, and other stabilizing instruments.